योग-साधना LifeSkills/जीवन कौशल – ☆ You Too Can Be A Buddha! ☆ – Shri Jagat Singh Bisht

Every person seeks happiness, peace and harmony. But often stumbles upon misery, stress and dis-content. Then, starts a journey. Each one takes a different route.

The most common route leads to a pleasant life. A life of material comfort and luxury. One studies in a good school, goes to the university and finds a rewarding job and climbs up and up the ladder. Or, he starts his own business, and flourishes. Such a life is a life full of pleasures. At times, this person wonders – am I really happy?

You may choose a different track. The road less traveled. You are passionate about something and love doing it. You get so absorbed in the activity that you lose track of time, even yourself. Such a life is a life of flow, an engaged life. You may find gratification in sport, science, design, or cooking. This is good life. One uses her signature strengths on an ongoing basis and feels happy.

Some others search for meaning in their lives. They have the greater good of humanity in their minds. They seek happiness for themselves and all around them. They strive for, and acquire, right wisdom and are full of compassion for others. One such enlightened soul visited this planet about two thousand and five hundred years ago. He saw misery all around and, by deep meditation, discovered a way out of it. That is why he is known as ‘Tathagata’ – one who has walked the Path and known the Truth! The path is the eight-fold noble path of morality, mindfulness and wisdom. Such a life is a meaningful life.

Swami Vivekananda, it seems, preferred a meaningful life over others. He once said, “They only live who live for others. Others are more dead than alive!”

But you may choose the life you wish to live. You can choose a pleasant life, or an engaged one, or a life full of meaning. You can aspire to be a Buddha, and you too can become a Buddha – the Enlightened One! The choice is totally yours.

As the Enlightened One blessed us: Bhavatu sabba mangalam! May all beings be happy!